baby chicks puffing lying down then dying in a day or 2

[DaleChick]

I hatched out a batch of chicks, a few different breeds, bought the eggs from a couple different people. Then one or two here, will lie down with its mouth open, gasping for air, with its wings out. It is only affecting the silky cross and buckeye (both from the same lady). Is it a disease, or too hot under the heat lamp? Or?? Chicks are only a couple days old....

 

[BayBay Peepers]

How hot is your brooder? Have you tried putting some electrolytes in the water?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

The brooder should be ventilated, but not drafty and they should have a space where they can escape the direct heat. (not saying you don't already have this set up, just want to help with a process of elimination) Maybe it is just that batch of chicks and in that case I would keep a real close eye on the healthy ones.

 

[cafarmgirl]

I agree that heat is the first thing I'd be checking. Make sure the brooder is large enough so that they can move completely away from the heat source and that it's not too hot directly under the heat.

 

[DaleChick]

All the other breeds are healthy, seems to be only affecting the ones from the same farm... Can I use pedialyte for children? Maybe they are more sensitive to the heat.. I am going to try adjusting the heat... and go from there... Can I add yogurt to their water too? Or probiotics?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

I'm not really sure (hopefully someone with more info will chime in here) I use chick-saver. It comes in a three pack and one pack is enough for a gallon of water. I've also used it for my adults when it's really, really hot or if they're not feeling their best.